8:30 am

WELCOME – PORT HOUSTON

Charlie Jenkins
Executive Director
Port Houston

9:00 am

CYBER AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY OF OUR PORTS

Jen Easterly
Director
CISA

9:30 am

Networking Break

10:00 am

KEYNOTE

Admiral Linda Fagan
Commandant
U.S. Coast Guard

10:30 am

CREATING THE U.S. CENTER FOR MARITIME INNOVATION

David Walker
Vice President
ABS

11:30 am

VISION OF THE FUTURE – PORT OF SEATTLE

Stephen Metruck
Executive Director
Port of Seattle

12:00 pm

Lunch Break

1:00 pm

REVITALIZING TRADE ROUTES: UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF THE RIVER NIGER’S MARINE BASES

Synopsis: A comprehensive approach to revitalizing trade routes along the River Niger, leveraging its marine bases to unlock economic potential. It examines the current state of the river’s waterfront communities, infrastructure, and trade networks, highlighting challenges and limitations. The paper presented outlines a vision for establishing modern marine bases and trade routes, discussing potential benefits, infrastructure development needs, stakeholder engagement, trade agreements, and security measures. Recommendations for realizing this vision are provided, emphasizing the potential for economic growth, job creation, and increased trade.

Speaker: Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA), Nigeria

1:30 pm

CHANCAY MULTI-PURPOSE PORT, PERU

Synopsis: The Chancay Multipurpose Port is located 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the Peruvian capital of Lima. The port will play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity and economic exchange It is designed to facilitate the movement of goods, including containerized cargo, general cargo, non-mineral bulk cargo, liquid cargo, and roll-on/roll-off cargo. With its natural deep-water harbor, Chancay will be able to handle container ships that cannot dock elsewhere in South America. Advertised as “the gateway from South America to Asia,” the $1.3 billion project will offer a direct route to China with a travel time reduction for ships of 10 days.

Speaker: Juan Carlos Paz, President of the National Port Authority, Peru

2:30 pm

Break

3:00 pm

PORT MONTREAL CONTRECOUER TERMINAL PROJECT

Synopsis: The object of meticulous planning since the late 1980s, the expansion project at Contrecœur is the most ambitious project ever undertaken by the Montreal Port Authority. With several stages already complete, this project will generate substantial economic spinoffs for the South Shore of Montreal as well as Quebec and Canada while improving the resilience of national logistics chains for the benefit of consumers. The Contrecoeur project is a necessary expansion for importers, exporters and consumers as current Port of Montreal facilities approach full capacity; a site offering container capacity of 1.15 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) with two berths, a rail yard and connected services in an industrial zone; the creation of nearly 8,000 jobs during the construction phase and 1,200 jobs when in operation (direct and indirect); with economic spinoffs across the country of approximately CAD $140 million per year when it is in operation; providing a real focus on harmonious integration with the community and rigorous environmental processes.

Speaker: TBD

4:00 pm

PUERTO ANTIOQUIA, COLUMBIA

Synopsis: The Puerto Antioquia project consists of the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a greenfield multipurpose port facility located in the Gulf of Urabá, Antioquia, Colombia.

The projected cost is estimated at US$650 million, including; (1) an offshore deck with 1337 meters of berth (container, bulk & general cargo, and RoRo) capable of handling super post-Panamax vessels; (2) a 3.8km viaduct and access road that connects the offshore deck with the inland terminal; and (3) 38ha inland terminal/logistic facilities, including a container yard, dry-bulk storage facilities, warehouses, inspection areas, maintenance and admin buildings and utilities.

Speaker: Dina Rafaela Sierra, Superintendente Delegada de Puertos Superintendencia se Transporte de Colombia

5:00 pm

Closing

Speaker: Kevin Clement

1:00 pm

BUILDING PRACTICAL RESILIENCE IN PORTS AND HARBOURS

Synopsis: Situated in current and future hazard areas, maritime infrastructure is exposed to increasing climate-related risks. Owners and operators (across ports, harbours, marinas and shipyards) of this sector are exposed to a unique set of challenges and impacts due to their proximity to the coast and waterways. As the current and potential future impacts from climate become better understood, many maritime sector organizations are starting to take their first steps toward resilience and adaptation planning. large number of small ports lack a CISO or Information Technology specialists trained and/or qualified to respond to a cyberattack on its critical infrastructure. The discussion addresses this shortcoming and offers strategies to address it.

Speaker: Jaret Fattori, Director, Climate & Environment, BMT

1:30 pm

THE CLEVELAND HARBOR EASTERN EMBAYMENT RESILIENCE STRATEGY (CHEERS)

Synopsis: The Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy (CHEERS) project is a concept that emerged from a yearlong study to determine how to transform Cleveland’s lakeshore through reconnecting communities to the lake, improving public health, bolstering the economy, and benefiting the environment and natural habitat. It is now in a design phase with the help of a consultant team to move the original study towards implementation. Stakeholders and the support received from the community are crucial to the success of CHEERS.

CHEERS illustrates the importance of investing in coastal resilience measures in an urban area to provide the greatest impact for human community resilience. The project will demonstrate beneficial use of dredge material to build habitat and expand parks, protect the critical infrastructure of Interstate 90 along the shore, ameliorate previous industrial uses and unjust development practices, and stabilize the unpredictable wave action adjacent to key recreation and transportation facilities.

Speaker: Vincent Lee, Principal | Americas East Civil + Water Engineering Team Leader, Arup

2:30 pm

Break

3:00 pm

PORT OF TAMPA BAY – PORT DISASTER INSURANCE AND UNDERWRITING

Synopsis: In the autumn of 2024, the Port of Tampa Bay weathered two disastrous storms, Hurricanes Helene and Milton, within the span of 13 days. While the port was able to quickly reestablish operations, the impact on port insurance and financing is pronounced. Insurance policies’ coverage is reducing while premiums are increasing.

Extreme weather costs spiraling. Hurricanes, flooding and storm damage are becoming more common, exposing ports’ people, assets and operations to damage, disruption and third-party claims. Insured losses from natural catastrophes continue to be above the 10-year average of $81 billion, at $115 billion. Ports and terminals as a result, are at greater risk of being thrown into a lottery of being overcharged and underinsured.

Annually, as much as $63 billion of trade is at risk due to climate change. Hence, ports across the world require rigorous preparedness planning, infrastructure upgrades and watertight insurance policies.

Moderator: Ben Pennington, Managing Partner, Polaris
Speaker: Mark Dubina, Vice President, Port of Tampa Bay
Speaker: Edward McNamara, CEO, Armada Risk Partners

4:00 pm

PANEL: ADVANCES IN SURVEY AND DREDGING

Synopsis: Sludge accumulation is a natural process impacting port operations and efficiencies, degrading the lifespan of port infrastructure, and limiting access by cargo vessels over time.

H.K. Dredging LLC provide an in-depth presentation on advanced bathymetric survey technologies to obtain accurate and actionable data, laying the groundwork for effective tailored solutions. They will further discuss upgrades to hydraulic dredging services that provide systematic and environmentally responsible solutions to sludge accumulation in ports, harbors, and channels. Ultimately, the data collected is used to develop a research-based maintenance plan tailored to address the specific needs and challenges of each port – while ensuring the long-term sustainability of port infrastructure.

Speaker: Chad Hensley, Vice President, HK Dredging

5:00 pm

Closing

Speaker: Kevin Clement

1:00 pm

INTERMODAL CONNECTIVITY – THE TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Synopsis: The Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan (BTMP) is a comprehensive, multimodal, Texas-Mexico long-range plan. It identifies current and future transportation needs, challenges, and opportunities for moving people and goods across the Texas-Mexico border. The Port of Laredo is the number 1 inland port along the US-Mexico border and the nation’s third-busiest port among more than 450 airports, seaports, and border crossings with $299.4 billion in total trade with the world in 2022. This session will explore the role of the intermodal sector in US – Mexico trade.

Speaker: Margaret Kidd, Program Director, Supply Chain and Logistics Technology, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston

1:30 pm

THE MARITIME TRANSPORTATION DATA INITIATIVE

Synopsis: Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel of the Federal Maritime Commission has called for the establishment of a Maritime Transportation Data System, a set of “performance standards so that the supply chain industry stakeholders can accomplish their work with better and more timely data than is presently available. At the core of the MTDI process are recommendations for pre-planning cargo movements, enhanced in transit visibility with real-time forecasted arrivals, harmonized exchange of transit data from carrier to terminal and better coordination among transportation modes and stakeholders to inland destinations.

• The Maritime Transportation Data System (MTDS) will establish a standard in information sharing in U.S. ports
• The MTDS would require ocean carriers to be more transparent in advising supply chain partners of their services, especially regarding the arrival times of their ships in U.S. ports.
• The MTDS also would require standardization of terminology by ocean carriers so that shippers and other supply chain partners can better understand the movement of their cargo.

Speaker: Carl W. Bentzel, Past Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission

2:30 pm

Break

3:00 pm

THE PORT OF VIRGINIA 460 LOGISTICS CENTER

Synopsis: In September 2024, 2024, the Rockefeller Group and Matan Companies broke ground on the first phase of the Port 460 Logistics Center in Suffolk, Va., a highly anticipated industrial real estate development that is expected to serve U.S. and international businesses seeking direct access to the expanded Port of Virginia.

The 460 Logistics Center is at the epicenter of the Hampton Roads economy– featuring a collection of six (6) rail-served port terminals that employ over 400,000 people and function collectively as the leading East Coast gateway for global shipping and commerce. Situated directly on US-460, Port 460 has seamless access to the entire Norfolk region as well as I-85 and I-95, offering extensive connectivity to the major metropolitan areas of the Eastern Seaboard.

Speaker: Kris Kennedy, Vice President, Port 460 Logistics Center, JLL

5:00 pm

Closing

Speaker: Kevin Clement

8:30 am

TRANSFORMING PORTS INTO DIGITAL HUBS

Synopsis: Our maritime sector is rapidly undergoing a digital transformation of ports as they shift from traditional transport hubs to digital nodes that play a crucial role in an ever-evolving supply chain ecosystem. Digitalization allows a seaport to become a transport and an information node, providing an important means to be better integrated in the supply chain. The port as a digital node focuses on the total digital capability required to operate as a sustainable port, i.e. as a sustainable transport and logistic node, energy node, and information node).

Moderator: TBD
Speaker: Brooks Lobingier, Director of Information Technology, Port of Corpus Christi
Speaker: Ayla Haig, Manager | Supply Chain & Network Operations, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Speaker: Juan Ignacio Rodriguez, Puerto Quequen, Argentina
Speaker: Donovan Guin, Public Transportation Lead, IBM

9:30 am

Break

10:00 am

PANEL: AI and SIMULATIONS IN PORT OPERATIONS

Synopsis: Maritime education and training has long used simulators and simulations to develop competent seafarers and relevant seafaring skills. In a safety critical domain like maritime industry, simulators provide opportunities to acquire technical, procedural and operational skills without the risks and expense associated with on‐the‐job training. In such training, computer‐generated simulations and simulators with higher realism are inferred to better training outcomes.

Panelist: Dr. Phil Thompson, BMT Global
Panelist: Tyler Hamm, Kongsberg Digital
Panelist: Ross Mabie, Regional Head of Commercial & BD, Maersk Training Houston

11:00 am

DIGITAL TWIN TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN FOR PORTS

Synopsis: Bentley Systems presents on its use of digital twin technology in ports and highlights design features employed to enhance information sharing, operational efficiencies and cost reductions to position ports as a digital hub in its eco-system.

Speaker: Leif Johnson, Senior Solutions Manager, Bentley Systems

12:00 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm

PORT USE OF UNCREWED & AUTONOMOUS VESSELS

Synopsis: Ports face growing challenges from security threats, more frequent natural disasters, and increased and heavier displacement shipping traffic. Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USV’s) provide ports with additional tools to face these challenges safely and efficiently without putting the operators of the USV in harm’s way. USV’s can help with routine surveys of waterways for navigability and dredging. They can also provide a round-the-clock security detail for extra eyes above and below the surface of the water, filling in blind spots. In the event of a natural disaster, a USV can be used to quickly survey a port for obstructions and scour to help reopen commerce. This presentation will dive into the broad applications of USVs in ports to augment and multiply the port’s workforce with leading technologies. It will highlight how USV technology increases safety and accessibility for port workers, enabling “work from home” for maritime professionals. It will also discuss how Chance Maritime Technologies tailors USV technology solutions for individual port needs.

Speaker: Michael Scherer, Chief Technology Officer, Chance Maritime

1:30 pm

THE USE OF AI AND VIDEOGAMES TO IMPROVE PORT CAPACITY & SAFETY

Synopsis: This presentation highlights the use of Active Digital Twins, built using video game technology, to improve port safety and capacity. The presentation explains how port operations are improved by providing tools with intuitive interface elements that incorporate real-time data and look like the real world. Through this concept, port operators are able to increase vessel traffic capacity and cargo throughput without compromising safety by using AI and Machine Learning to predict and prevent potential vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-facility intersections using course and heading data from AIS transponders.

Speaker: Starr Long, Executive Producer, The Acceleration Agency

2:30 pm

Break

3:00 pm

PANEL: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN MARITIME SYSTEMS

Synopsis: A successful vision of the future must involve the economic and environment stewardship of the maritime value chain as a system of systems. A successful systems approach for maritime could be similar to aviation’s air traffic control to improve safety and economic efficiencies of the system as a whole. This means changing the very nature of global maritime business approach to optimize first the entire global system before further optimizing individual organizations.

Digital Technologies will be key to this. Not necessarily by inventing new technology but innovating from existing approaches in other segments such as the aviation approach to vessel autonomy and machine learning predictive algorithms that will be required to solve the much more complex systems approach of the global maritime value chain. This digital innovation approach can be developed rather quickly and inexpensively, and Digital Technology is perhaps the only technology that is truly future proof.

Moderator: David Cumins, President, Blue Sky Maritime Coalition
Panelist: Yanran Wang, Matson
Panelist: Charlotte Runzel, Sail Plan

4:00 pm

ROBOTICS IN PORT OPERATIONS

Synopsis: Ports Infrastructure 4.0 offer a series of significant benefits that can improve the efficiency and sustainability of the global supply chain. These benefits can include 1) greater efficiency; 2) improved safety; 3) greater sustainability; and 4) improved service quality.

Ports 4.0 use a variety of advanced technologies to improve their efficiency, sustainability, and capacity to handle large volumes of cargo. Robotics are used in Ports 4.0 to perform tasks that require precision and strength, such as container handling. Robots can be autonomous or human-controlled and can work in conjunction with automation systems.

Moderator: TBD
Speaker: Geoff Douglas, Mythos AI
Speaker: Kirstin Collins, Operations Support Team Lead, GreensealIQ
Panelist: Karl Lander, Director of Environmental Services, Subsea Solutions, LLC

4:30 pm

Buses depart for Demonstrations/Port Houston Tour

5:00 pm

DEEP TREKKER REVOLUTION ROV DEMONSTRATION

Synopsis: Prior to the Port Houston Tour, MerLion will conduct a demonstration involving the launch and operation of the Deep Trekker Revolution ROV at the Port Houston Turning Basin. This technology demonstration is “hands-on” inspecting the ships’ hull and adjacent pier structures. End products such as a hull image and inspection will be displayed on a large TV screen for all to see throughout the event. Attendees are invited to take a turn at the helm.

Demonstrator: Serena Brown, Account Executive, Deep Trekker
Demonstrator: Dan Randall, Director, Maritime Operations, MerLion Advisory Group

8:00 am

BUILDING A NATIONAL NETWORK OF OFFSHORE WIND PORTS

Synopsis: Port infrastructure is one of the most significant bottlenecks impeding the advancement of the United States offshore wind industry. Existing U.S. port infrastructure is largely unable to support offshore wind component manufacturing and project deployment. Unfortunately, most offshore wind port projects under development are now facing material financing gaps due to construction cost escalation, which has increased between 30% and 40% over the last three years, and the commercial uncertainties associated with supporting a brand-new industry.

Perhaps now more than ever, it’s clear that long-term infrastructure planning and investment are needed to enable sustainable industry growth and the creation of thousands of offshore wind manufacturing, logistics, and operations jobs. Without additional government funding and policy supports that incentivize private investment into U.S. offshore wind port infrastructure, port capacity will continue to be a major offshore wind deployment constraint across the country.

Speaker: Brian Sabina, CEO, Clean Energy Terminals, Oceantic Network Ports Working Group

8:30 am

OFFSHORE WIND PORTS USA – THE CURRENT STATE

Synopsis: Ports play a key role in the offshore wind sector. They are where operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms are run, where all offshore wind turbines and other equipment get transported, and where floating turbines are assembled.

Ports host testing facilities, training centers and hosting warehouses, offices and operation centers for manufacturers, developers and elements of the supply chain. They are an integral part of the offshore wind farm supply chain by virtue of their function as an interface between land based and marine activities.

Moderator: TBD

9:30 am

Break

10:00 am

TRANSITIONING TO A WIND PORT

Synopsis: Port representatives from ports engaged in support of offshore wind farms discuss the planning, challenges, and achievements in transitioning from traditional cargo ports.

Panelist: Katheryn Yurchesyn, Vice President, NovaPorte
Panelist: Stephen Kelly, Director of Planning, Port of Corpus Christi
Panelist: John O’Keeffe, Vice President, Business Development, Waterson LLC, Port of Providence

1:00 pm

MAINE OFFSHORE WIND INITIATIVE

Synopsis: Offshore wind energy offers Maine potential for long-term job creation and economic development, supply chain and port infrastructure investments, and renewable power to help meet the state’s ambitious clean energy and climate change goals.

Through the Maine Offshore Wind Initiative, launched in June 2019, the state will explore opportunities for thoughtful development of offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine and determine how to best position Maine to benefit from an industry expected to generate $1 trillion in global investment by 2040. The Initiative aims to balance this industry development with our state’s maritime heritage and existing marine uses to ensure sustainable preservation of the natural resources in the Gulf of Maine.

Speaker: TBD

12:00 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm

DENMARK’S ENERGY ISLANDS

Synopsis: Denmark is pioneering the concept of energy islands as part of large-scale offshore wind farm projects. Denmark will construct the North Sea Energy Island and build upon Bornholm (an existing island) to establish a energy island in the Baltic Sea. Both will serve as hubs for offshore wind farms, facilitating smart electricity distribution between regions across the two seas. These energy islands are designed to operate as green power plants at sea and will play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, phasing out fossil fuel energy sources in Denmark, and creating a sustainable energy future.

Speaker: Morten Siem Lynge, Consul General – Houston, Kingdom of Denmark

1:30 pm

FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES

Synopsis: A floating wind turbine is an offshore wind turbine mounted on a floating structure that allows the turbine to generate electricity in water depths where fixed-foundation turbines are not feasible. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, almost two-thirds of U.S. offshore wind energy potential exists over waters too deep for today’s fixed-bottom wind turbine foundations secured directly to the sea floor, and instead require floating platforms. These structures will be among the largest humankind has ever constructed. Floating offshore wind is key to transitioning dense population centers to clean energy, and would also mean thousands of jobs in wind manufacturing, installation, and operations.

Moderator: TBD

2:30 pm

Break

3:00 pm

NORFOLK WIND PORT – THE FAIRWINDS LANDING PROJECT

Synopsis: MARAD awarded the Norfolk (VA) Economic Development Authority a $39,265,000 Port Infrastructure Development Grant to help transform the marine terminal at Fairwinds Landing into an offshore wind logistics facility. The PPIDP funding will assist in renovating the aging waterfront infrastructure at Fairwinds Landing. The project focuses on three major components: 1) Enhance port capabilities for offshore wind operations and maintenance activities; 2) Heavy lift Operations, and 3) Cable Loading Operations.

Speaker: Mike Hopkins, Managing Director, Fairwinds Landing LLC
Speaker: Robert Sharak, Senior Business Development Manager, City of Norfolk Economic Development Authority

4:00 pm

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH’S PIER WIND PROJECT

Synopsis: The Port of Long Beach has announced a bold plan to establish a 400-acre wind port called Pier Wind that could centralize the manufacture and staging of floating offshore wind turbines on the West Coast and provide a major infrastructural boost to California’s planned goal of building floating wind farms so as to generate 25 Gigawatts by 2045. The Port projects the following benefits to California’s offshore wind efforts:

• Harness the powerful wind in deep waters in order to generate renewable energy at a lower cost while enhancing air quality by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Meet California’s goal of producing 25 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2045.
• Contribute toward lowering the national cost of offshore wind power by 70% by 2035.
• Place California and the United States at the forefront of floating offshore wind technology and development, the project would create jobs and economic opportunities for communities near the San Pedro Bay port complex.

Speaker: Suzanne Plezia, Chief Harbor Engineer, Port of Long Beach

8:00 am

A NATIONAL DECARBONIZATION PLAN

Synopsis: In 2024, DOE, DOT, EPA, and HUD will publish a Maritime Decarbonization Action Plan in 2024 to outline multiple decarbonization pathways in fuels, energies, and technologies across vessel types and operational profiles. The Action Plan will address commercial maritime activity as well as recreational boats and transit ferry systems. Energy and technology strategies will be coupled with economic and policy levers to promote investment and adoption. This Action Plan is part of domestic economy-wide decarbonization actions to advance U.S. climate goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050 in step with global maritime climate goals, including at the International Maritime Organization.

Speaker: TBD

8:30 am

BIOFUELS

Synopsis: Biofuels are liquid hydrogen fuels with similar composition and properties to fuel oil. They are produced from renewable sources such as crops, agricultural and forestry waste, animal waste, or vegetable and animal fats. Biofuels offer reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Biofuels’ suitability with existing power generation systems makes them a drop-in solution without the need for equipment retrofits or vessel redesign. As such, Biofuels are a “here-now solution” as they take advantage of existing fuel transport and bunkering infrastructure.

Moderator: TBD
Panelist: Marcel Schafer, PhD, Senior Program Coordinator, Fraunhofer USA Alliance
Panelist: Steve Putnam, PEI Tech LLC

9:30 am

Break

10:00 am

INTEGRATING ENERGY AND SUPPLY CHAIN MODELING THROUGH DYNAMIC SIMULATION

Synopsis: Ports and supply chains around the world are experiencing a decarbonization revolution. To the lay person, the transition from carbon-based liquid fuels in marine terminal and broader logistics contexts to zero-emission alternatives seems simple: replace diesel-powered cargo handling equipment with zero-emission cargo handling equipment on a 1:1 basis. A truck for a truck, so to speak. The reality of the decarbonization revolution is far more complicated, however. Challenges associated with this transition from carbon-based fuels to zero-emission alternatives range from technical to commercial with huge implications, not only from an operations perspective, but from a whole-of supply-chain perspective. Perhaps the most critical aspect of the supply chain impacted by the decarbonization revolution is the energy sector itself. Understanding not only how much energy is required to sustain operations, but what type of energy, is a relatively new problem. In the past, energy supply and demand in the broader transport sector were measured almost exclusively in barrels. Increasingly, the key units of measurement will be electrons and molecules. This fundamental shift in thinking around energy begs for a new way of understanding ports from a supply and demand perspective. This presentation will explore the value of modeling and dynamic simulation at ports and across their broader supply chains as a means not only to optimize marine terminal and related operations, but as a tool to plan more intelligently and holistically for the decarbonization revolution.

Speaker: Tristan Anderson, Executive Advisor, Freight Systems and Simulation (TA), GHD
Speaker: Michael Vanderbeek, Maritime and Coastal Planning Lead, (MV), GHD

11:00 am

CARIBBEAN GREEN SHIPPING CORRIDORS

Synopsis: This presentation focuses on the establishment of Green Shipping Corridors in the Caribbean. Green Corridors are specific shipping routes where the feasibility of zero-emission shipping is catalyzed by a combination of public and private actions. A green shipping corridor is a shipping route between two or more major port hubs, on which zero-carbon emissions ships and other emissions reduction programs are deployed. The United States government defines green shipping corridors as “maritime routes that showcase low- and zero-emission lifecycle fuels and technologies with the ambition to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions across all aspects of the corridor in support of sector-wide decarbonization no later than 2050”. The term specifically indicates the geographical connection between two locations and the enabling environment that helps reduce emissions.

Moderator: Kirk Waltz, Director, Business Development – Clean Energy, American Bureau of Shipping
Panelist: Sabina Malnis, Project Manager, Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP), Organization of American States

12:00 pm

Lunch Break

1:00 pm

THE ELECTRICITY GAP

Synopsis: Demands to transform operations of diesel and gas-powered equipment to electric, the move to onshore power supply for ships, and the conversion of drayage to electric-battery powered vehicles has caused a demand on available electrical power resources that many power companies simply cannot provide.

Speaker: Armine Lamdaouar, Senior Manager, Deloitte
Speaker: Paige Ochterbeck, Port Electrification Lead, Shell

1:30 pm

CASE STUDY: PORT BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

Synopsis: The Port of Baku (PoB) was developed as a green port and logistic center by adhering to international standards and using contemporary technology in various aspects such as energy, waste management, air quality, digitalization, automation, as well as sustainable business practices.

The Port of Baku successfully achieved certification under ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management), EcoPorts Port Environmental Review System (PERS), as well as taken the essential steps towards achieving ISO 45001:2018 (Health & Safety Management) and ISO 50001 (Energy Management) certification. Port representatives discuss their approach centered on “The Port of Baku Climate Strategy 2025” and its Climate Action Plan.

Speaker: Gurban Karimbayli, Port of Baku

2:30 pm

Break

3:00 pm

DRAWING ELECTRICITY FROM OCEAN CURRENTS

Synopsis: Tidal Sails AS, brings to market a ground-breaking technology to extract kinetic energy from slow moving water, by combining the ancient principles of ocean sailing with state-of-the-art alpine ropeway technology, to generate low-cost electricity.

This resilient and extremely low weight technology platform is adaptable to most locations and is protected by a set of patents worldwide. The slow-moving sails, (6 knots) 15 meter underneath the surface, are considered harmless to fish and sea mammals, and do not interfere with shipping lanes. The autonomous Self Adjustable & Variable Pitch Sail Control System assures optimal pitch according to current speed and direction.

Speaker: Shelby Thomas, CEO, Tidal Sails USA

4:00 pm

PROPANE IN PORT OPERATIONS

Synopsis: Propane improves air quality at our nation’s ports while reliably supporting global trade logistics. Propane refueling infrastructure is affordable, scalable, and readily available for the nation’s alternative fuel corridors. Propane keeps ports running by powering backup generators and prime power for cold ironing, charging, and other large industrial applications. Propane can be used to power port tractors, forklifts, soon reach stackers, empty container handlers, and rubber-tired gantry cranes.

Moderator: TBD
Panelist: Tucker Perkins, President and CEO, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)
Panelist: Charlie Felini, Port Newark Container Terminal
Panelist: Brian Wilkin, Enterprise Products Operating Co

8:00 am

U.S. COAST GUARD RESEARCH PORTFOLIO

Synopsis: The Director of Research Partnerships at the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC), discusses USCG research focus and initiatives impacting ports and maritime sector. This session is open to researchers from institutions of higher education at no cost for admittance.

Presenter: Joseph DiRenzo, PhD, Director of Research Partnerships, U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center
Guard Research and Development Center

5:00 pm

CONFERENCE CLOSING

Kevin Clement

8:30 am

PANEL: SMALL PORTS AND THE CYBERSECURITY GAP

Synopsis: A large number of small ports lack a CISO or Information Technology specialists trained and/or qualified to respond to a cyberattack on its critical infrastructure. The panel discusses the work of Ports in Texas and Louisiana to enhance cybersecurity in its operations.

Moderator: Julio Gonzalez, Supervisory Protective Security Advisor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Panelist: Keiton C. Moore, U.S. Coast Guard
Panelist: George Reeves, Cybersecurity Advisor, CISA
Panelist: Larry Kelly, CEO, Port of Port Arthur, Texas and President, Texas Ports Association

9:30 am

Break

10:00 am

PORT CYBER RESILIENCE CENTERS

Synopsis: Increased use of digital technologies, while resulting in greater efficiencies and cargo planning capabilities, subject ports to cybersecurity risks and threats of disruptions to port operations and the supply chain, as a whole. Europe’s ports and maritime facilities have increasingly developed Cyber Resilience Centers to ensure the security of its IoT systems.

IBM operates the Port of Los Angeles Cyber Resilience Center, an automated port community cyber defense solution, designed by Port of Los Angeles supply chain stakeholders. The CRC serves as an early warning detector against possible cyberattacks and an information resource to help minimize intrusions and restore operations following an attack.

Speaker: Darious Moore, Delivery Program Executive, IBM Cybersecurity Services

11:00 am

INFRAGARD: CYBERSECURITY FORCE MULTIPLIER

Synopsis: InfraGard is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and members of the private sector for the protection of U.S. Critical Infrastructure. Through seamless collaboration, InfraGard connects owners and operators within critical infrastructure to the FBI, to provide education, information sharing, networking, and workshops on emerging technologies and threats. InfraGard’s membership includes business executives, entrepreneurs, lawyers, security personnel, military and government officials, IT professionals, academia and state and local law enforcement—all dedicated to contributing industry-specific insight and advancing national security.

Speaker: Marco Ayala, President, Houston-Galveston InfraGard Chapter
Speaker: Chris Wolski, Houston-Galveston InfraGard Chapter

12:00 pm

LUNCHEON

1:00 pm

MODERNIZING INCIDENT COMMAND WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Synopsis: This presentation focuses on methods used to incorporate AI in incident response, using actual hurricane incidents and oil spill use cases in a port environment to demonstrate the possibilities for today and tomorrow.

Speaker: CAPT (Ret., USCG) Sean Plankey, U.S. Coast Guard

1:30 pm

RADIATION MONITORS AT U.S. PORTS

Synopsis: US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) is tasked to scan all incoming vehicles and containers at land crossings, rail crossings, mail facilities and shipping terminals to detect potential threats, including radiation. DHS and USCBP has engaged K2 Consulting to replace and upgrade the aging radiation detection systems before the end of their effective life.

Sandia and Pacific Northwest National Laboratories created the blueprint for a new generation of radiation portal monitors that eventually will replace more than 1,400 monitors deployed across the United States through its Radiation Portal Enhancement and Replacement project. It has engaged K2 Consulting to replace and upgrade the aging radiation detection systems before the end of their effective life.

Speaker: Mitch Merriam, K2 Consulting

2:30 pm

BREAK

3:00 pm

CBP EXPANSION OF FACIAL BIOMETRICS – PORT OF VANCOUVER

Synopsis: AU.S. Customs and Border Protection partnered with Brand USA to do Global Entry mobile enrollments in Japan and South Korea as part of Brand USA’s sales missions in Asia. The goal is “to implement a continuous flow of travelers to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the CBP inspection process. By processing travelers on the move and without the need to stop, while properly segmenting travelers, CBP’s objective is to reduce processing times, improve the traveler experience, and increase throughput.”

USCBP has processed over 576 million travelers using facial biometrics for identity verification at air, land, and sea and captured 2,059 impostors who tried to fraudulently enter the United States.

Speaker: Natascha A. Gutermuth, Program Manager, Biometrics Program Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protections

4:00 pm

PORT SURVEILLANCE

Synopsis: Armatek introduces its Sonic Eye, integrated hardware and software systems that utilizes proprietary technological advances in acoustic fidelity with Intelligence Acoustic Interpretation for port security. Sonic Eye technology can be configured for a broad array of applications and capabilities to include 1) Acoustic Signature Recognition (interpretation and intelligence), 2) Integration of speech recognition libraries, 3) Safety alerts during public events, 4) Urban (port) space monitoring, 5) Spy drone alerts, 6) Accurate shooter location, 7) Shooter tracking, 8) Track and dispatch closest first responder to emergency, 9) Filter loud noise and multiple conversations in order to listen to targeted intruders, 10 Can detect drones, vehicle engine running, vehicle movement, and detect people up to 1 kilometer in distance; and 11) Emergency Management Response.

Speaker: Erwin Ballarta, President, Armatek USA Security Group Inc.

5:00 pm

CONFERENCE CLOSING

Kevin Clement